This problem with my GTI is driving me CRAZY!!! I'll be driving along on the
highway, and the engine will suddenly and completely lose power. There is
absolutely no response from the accelerator. When I coast to a stop at the
side of the highway, the car returns to idle as if nothing happened. This
may happen again in a few minutes, hours, or days. It's completely
intermittent and can't be duplicated in my garage. I also note that the car
feels a bit sluggish, and tends to stall now and then when the clutch is
released at stop signs, etc.

I've also noticed that it seems to take longer than it used to for the car
to start, as if fuel pressure is taking more time to build up or system
pressure is not being maintained after stop. I just recently replaced the
fuel line to cylinder #1, and I was surprised that there was pretty much no
fuel pressure at the fuel distributor when I loosened the banjo bolt. The
car had been off overnight, but I still expected a little pressure.

This is what I've done so far so far:

- Checked for vacuum leaks, rips, tears in the intake; none found.
- Checked for fuel leaks; none found.
- New sparkplugs, wires, cap, rotor.
- New ignition switch.
- New fuel injectors/o-rings.
- New fuel pump relay.
- New fuel filter.
- Checked timing; okay.
- Almost new in-tank (transfer) fuel pump; no loud buzzing at main pump.

I really don't have the gauge and fittings required to check fuel pressure,
but since the problem is intermittent I'm not sure it would tell me
anything. The main pump is about 10 years old, so I'm going to go ahead and
replace it too. If that doesn't do the trick, I'm not sure what else to do!
What about the coil? HELP!

--
Kent
1987 VW GTI 8V, original owner, 221,800+ miles

Kent wrote:
generations, it would be useful to share the basics: Year model to start
with.

--
- -
Rex Burkheimer
WM Automotive
Fort Worth TX

Sorry, this information is usually included in my autosignature. Car is 1987
VW GTI 8V, Engine Code RD (CIS-E/KE-Jetronic).
--
Kent
1987 VW GTI 8V, original owner, 221,800+ miles


"Rex B" <rex (AT) inoli (DOT) com> wrote

that sounds like the engine's "security mode" kicking in.... is the
engine stock?

Security mode? Please elaborate. If you're referring to the malfunction of
an anti-theft device for engine cut-off, it doesn't have one. It's a stock
87 GTI 8V.

--
Kent
1987 VW GTI 8V, original owner, 221,500+ miles


<ruimigueldias (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote

Does the tach show no rpms? On my 84 GTI I had to clean the
distributor connections where it plugs in to the harness with Tarnex.
After I rinsed, blew dry with compressed air and greased I never had
that problem again.

"Kent" <immortala2 (AT) yahoo (DOT) com> wrote:


Jim B.

You need a new coil pack. These almost never fail all at once so I would
replace just the one that failed and you will be fine.
TL

"Kent" <immortala2 (AT) yahoo (DOT) com> wrote

In rec.autos.makers.vw.watercooled, Tom Levigne wrote:

These symptoms do not sound like coil pack to me.

If I follow the description correctly, it is as if he had removed
his foot from the accelerator, tho he had not.

Tom's VR6 wrote:
I agree. Besides, the '87 didn't have coil packs, it had a single,
conventional coil.

If you have a o2 sensor in there try running without it ( disconnect ).

SFC

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